WO2017121638A1

WO2017121638A1 - Device for preparing baby food

Info

Publication number: WO2017121638A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/000030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan SCHLACK
Original assignee: Schlack Stefan
Priority date: 2016-01-14
Filing date: 2017-01-11
Publication date: 2017-07-20
Also published as: PL3383237T3; EP3383237B1; KR20180102128A; CA3011371A1; CN108778068A; US20190029461A1; DE102016000406B4; KR102520843B1; CA3011371C; EP3383237A1; US11033141B2; JP2021072971A; EP3383237C0; CN108778068B; JP2019511341A; ES2959732T3; JP7316307B2; DE102016000406A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for preparing baby food, particularly milk or puree for babies. The invention also relates to the use of a corresponding device for preparing a solution or suspension, or baby food, and to a metering and sterilising pouch and a preparation unit for a corresponding device.

Description

Device for preparing baby food

The invention relates to a device for preparing baby food, in particular baby milk, baby food, etc.

When preparing baby food from baby formula concentrate, water is heated, a corresponding amount of concentrate is measured and prepared with the heated water prior to administering the food.

The preparation means that the individual ingredients are mixed or dissolved in one another, heated or otherwise made ready for consumption.

This often occurs during the night as well, with the person performing the food preparation often having a reduced ability to concentrate due to overwork associated with infant care. The disadvantage here is, in particular, that the activity of the food preparation can be perceived as laborious and, when handling heated liquid, there are sometimes risks of scalding or injury to the preparer. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device by means of which the preparation of baby food, in particular baby milk, is made simpler and much safer.

This object is achieved by a device for the preparation of baby food with features of claim 1, advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Accordingly, a device is provided with at least one first connection for connection to at least one baby food concentrate source, with at least one second connection for connection to at least one liquid source, in particular water source, in particular at least one heating device for heating the liquid and / or the baby food, at least one preparation device for Preparing the liquid and the baby food concentrate and at least one outlet for filling the liquid and the baby food concentrate into a baby bottle.

According to the invention it is thus possible by means of the device to fill a baby bottle with baby food, which is prepared correctly and appropriately tempered ready for administration to the baby. By the device-related automation or simplification of the preparation process eliminates the possibly cumbersome preparation of the baby food.

According to the invention, the liquid source can also comprise two separate liquid containers, one of which can be filled with cold and one with warm or hot liquid. The liquid container can be thermally insulated. To prepare the baby food, the baby food concentrate or the concentrate can be first introduced manually or otherwise in the baby bottle. Thus, in such an embodiment, the baby bottle itself may be the baby food concentrate source. At an optional later time, the water stored in the two liquid containers may be introduced into the baby bottle in a predetermined ratio, and a mixing device may be provided to ensure that the water mixed in the baby bottle is at a desired temperature. This can be the cold and the warm or hot water of the two liquid containers are mixed in an appropriate ratio. Thermometers can detect the temperatures in the liquid containers and / or in the baby bottle and the mixing device can even mix the required amounts of hot and cold water or indicate to a user in what ratio the water is to mix to obtain a desired serving temperature. By means of the preparation device, the baby food can then be prepared or mixed accordingly.

The outlet or even two separate outlets for the liquid and the baby food concentrate can be arranged so that no or only the entire mixing of baby food concentrate and the liquid takes place within the device. For this purpose, the outlets can be provided separately at the preparation device such that the baby food concentrate and the liquid are introduced into the baby bottle separately from each other. For this purpose, the outlets can be provided separately on one side of the preparation device, which faces the baby bottle or on which side the baby bottle with its opening can be connected.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the separate outlets are provided within one or more tubes, wherein the tube or tubes may comprise a common inlet or inlet area for introducing the liquid and / or the baby food concentrate into the baby bottle. The two outlets may be provided within the device and not separate into the container or in the baby bottle but in a container upstream of the mixing and / or pumping device or other container.

In this case, the heating device can be set up such that the liquid and / or the baby food have a suitable temperature for administration, for example less than 50 ° C., in particular between 20 ° C. and 45 ° C. and particularly preferably 37 ° C. ± 5 ° C is heated. The device can be a Mixing of eg baby milk concentrate and water only within the container allow. This can be achieved in that the preparation device is coupled to the container so that concentrate and water are still filled separately into the container and the preparation of the baby milk or mixing of baby milk concentrate and water only after the filling of the individual components in the container and inside the container. With this device it is also possible for the user to use any commercially available baby powder or concentrate. Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment is conceivable in which the heating device is set up to cook the liquid and / or the baby food or to heat it to about 100.degree. Thus, the heater can be used in conjunction with a dosing and sterilization bag for sterilizing the respective substances.

According to the invention, it is provided that at least one preferably interchangeable hose or hose section is provided for directing the baby food concentrate and / or the baby food and / or the water or another, the baby food concentrate dissolving liquid. It is also conceivable that the baby food concentrate source and / or the liquid source and / or the container are interchangeable components of the device and / or consist of a combined bag and hose set or are connected to such. Such bag and hose sets, which are manufactured in one piece in particular, can have a hose section and a bag section which is comparatively voluminous for example. The above-mentioned interchangeable hose portion may refer to such a hose portion associated with a combined bag and hose set. The bag section may alternatively or additionally have a larger cross-section than the tube section. This requires bag and hose sets less storage space and can also be coupled with fewer components to be connected to the device. In particular, it can be dispensed with a separate hose.

If hoses are used, they can be designed as reusable hoses or as disposable parts. By appropriate replacement or Cleaning the hoses as well as the concentrate and the water source can thus facilitate compliance with the necessary hygiene standards. The baby food concentrate source and / or the fluid source and / or the baby bottle may further consist of or be connected to bags, hose sets and / or bag-hose sets, wherein said components may be flexible and thus require advantageously low storage space , This may also mean an embodiment in which a dosing and sterilization bag, as described below, for the liquid and / or for the baby food concentrate is formed integrally with a corresponding hose or hose section or is identical to the hose section wherein the tubing for metering the contents of the bag may be sealed by the clamps described in more detail below or a device analogous to the clamps.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that at least one filter is provided for cleaning and / or sterilizing the liquid, in particular of the water. The filter can be provided between the liquid source and the outlet of the device, so that liquid can be filtered or sterilized accordingly when flowing through the device. Preferably, the filter is configured to filter or sterilize the liquid before it comes in contact with the concentrate. The filter can also be attached directly to the preparation device. The preparation device can also be directly connected to the container (baby bottle), possibly with the aid of an adapter. This results in a closed system of container and preparation device. This connection can be made directly after the sterilization / autoclaving of both parts. For filling, the preparation device together with bottle can connect to the water and concentrate hoses. By using an appropriate sterile filter, the boiling of the water for the purpose of sterilization can be omitted.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the preparation device forms part of the device and can be connected to the container via a baby bottle attachment. can be tied. The preparation device would also be conceivable as an exchange component in this case, or parts of it could be designed as replacement or disposable components. The filter itself can be designed as a disposable part as well as the hoses and the container and the liquid and the baby food concentrate source.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that the preparation device comprises at least one stirrer and / or at least one spray nozzle and / or that the preparation device is designed as a replaceable consumable part. The preparation may comprise mixing the baby food concentrate with the liquid or dissolving the baby food concentrate in the liquid. The concentrate may be a solid, in particular a powder or a concentrated liquid.

The stirrer can be designed so that it engages in a container which is positionable in the region of the outlet of the device. The stirrer may be further driven to rotate, wherein the rotation of the stirrer is effected by a fluid flow or by a separate drive, such as a motor of the stirrer.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that the first connection comprises a puncture needle for piercing into the baby food concentrate source. The puncture needle may be formed as the leads and other parts of the device as a disposable item for better granting of hygienic standards. The needle can also be made of plastic. Overall, for example, three or even more or fewer needles may be provided on the device, which can be introduced to ensure hygienic standards in the individual ingredient sources (baby food concentrate source, liquid source) and in the container to be filled with the baby food.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that at least one pump is provided for feeding the baby food concentrate and / or the liquid is, and / or that means are provided which are designed such that the baby food concentrate and / or the liquid are fed gravimetrically for preparation.

According to the invention, it is further provided that a metering device is provided, which is designed for metering the concentrate and / or the liquid and, in particular, comprises clamps arranged displaceably on the hose or hose section. These clips can be electronically or manually controlled via a controller. The term staples is here to be interpreted broadly and may include any components of the metering device which may interact with a particularly flexible portion of the tube and / or the tube portion for metering the contents provided therein. The metering device may accordingly comprise vibrating rollers, a vibrating wedge, a vibrating spoon or the like, which, in cooperation with the flexible section, allow metering of the powder.

The dosage is therefore in a flexible, clampable material, for example in a bag, hose or hose / bag combination, etc. for water and powder or concentrate possible. If water is metered, it is possible to carry out a combination of metering and sterilization of the water within the clamped material.

The dosage or a combination of dosage and sterilization can be achieved for example by sliding brackets but also by a rotating wheel or wheels, a wedge or wedges, etc. It would also be conceivable combination of clamping an upper bracket or a clamp arranged above a valve and a corresponding actuation of the valve at the outlet of the liquid or the concentrate.

In this case, the metering device can be set up to transport the hose and / or the hose section from the outside in defined positions by means of To squeeze ter parentheses and thereby dosed in particular between the depressed places desired amounts of the contents contained therein. The metering device may alternatively or additionally also be designed as a device which, for example, emits metering quantities determined manually by actuating a corresponding actuating section into the baby bottle. A desired dosage amount can be done manually or automatically via the correspondingly frequent actuation of the actuation section. For example, it is conceivable that the baby food concentrate is filled manually or by means of the operating section in the baby bottle, whereas at a later, predetermined time, the liquid addition is particularly automatic and the preparation of the baby food is also carried out automatically.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that a control / regulating device is provided, by means of which the device is operable, in particular remotely operable. The control / regulating device may include a display panel or a display and also be modular supplemented by special supplementary modules. It is conceivable to supplement the control / regulation device by a WLAN module to enable the remote operation of the entire device. The controller may control all of the steps required for preparation, such as metering the components, heating the liquid, and stirring or blending the components.

It is also conceivable embodiment in which a part or all of the functions of the device manually, that is, without use of a control / regulating device are adjustable. The amount of powder or baby formula concentrate can be adjusted for example via at least one knob, which can be rotated to each other for spacing the respective brackets and / or for opening and / or closing the brackets. To set the amount of liquid can also be used according to at least one own knob or there may be a transfer device between the components for adjusting the baby food concentrate source and the components for adjusting the amount of liquid, which comprises, for example, a translation device or a translation wheel, which automatically adapt or couple the clamps provided for metering the liquid to the clamps provided for metering the concentrate. Advantageously, such expensive and error-prone electronic components can be saved.

The device can also be switched on manually or partially manually via an app, for example, whereby the device can prepare the manually set dosing quantities.

Furthermore, a water treatment module can be added, which makes it possible to treat tap water and thus to use directly. These and other modules are easily connectable to the central unit or with the control / regulating device or the entire device, in particular by snapping connectable. The control / regulation device can be integrated in the overall device or can also be provided as an external device. It can communicate wirelessly with the overall device or the individual components of the device or via appropriate lines.

It is also conceivable that the device has means, in particular a scanner, for reading in information from the baby food concentrate source and / or that a baby bottle attachment is provided for coupling the container to the preparation device or the device. The read data can then be used by the control / regulating device to perform the preparation process accordingly. For this purpose, the baby food concentrate source is provided with a barcode or other means of information containing the readable information, such as a Trinkmengen- and dosage table. A manual input of the recipe in the control unit is conceivable. By means of the baby bottle attachment or with the preparation device, if necessary also with an additional adapter, a baby bottle or the container with the device can be coupled so that the preparation of the baby food can be carried out within the container. For this purpose, the container can be screwed, for example, to the preparation device or clicked or connected via a baby bottle attachment. The baby bottle attachment can be formed integrally with the preparation device and, for example, have a thread for screwing a baby bottle. This results in a closed system of container and preparation device. Optionally, an adapter can be used to couple all or part of the baby bottles available on the market to the preparation device. For filling, the preparation device connects together with container with the water and concentrate hoses. In one embodiment with a combined dosing and sterilization bag, the preparation device can be correspondingly connected to an opening of such dosing and sterilization bag. Alternatively, the baby bottle together with the baby bottle attachment connects to the preparation device present on the device. After preparation of the baby milk, the preparation device and / or the attachment may be separated from the container and the container provided with a pacifier attachment or with another attachment for the consumption or secure storage of the container contents.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable that the baby food concentrate source and / or the liquid source are connected to the terminals of the device, i. this aspect of the invention does not relate to the device as such but to the device having baby food concentrate source disposed thereon or therein and / or the liquid source.

The invention is also directed to the use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for the preparation of baby food and for the preparation of a mixture or generally a solution or suspension and to the use of a baby formula concentrate source in or with a device according to any one of claims 1 until 11. The invention is also directed to a dosage and sterilization bag for a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for the preparation of a suspension and / or emulsion, in particular of baby food, such as baby milk, wherein the dosage and sterilization bag at least comprises two connections for the supply and discharge of a liquid.

The invention is further directed to a device for preparing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the preparation device is coupleable to a container and comprises a stirrer adapted to agitate the contents of the container coupled thereto. The dosing and sterilization bag and the preparation device may comprise further features which are explained in the description.

Further advantages and details are shown with reference to the embodiments exemplified in the figures. Showing:

1 shows a schematic structure of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2: Detail view of the structure of a device according to the invention for the

Operation with a pressure pump;

3 shows a detailed view of the preparation device of a device according to the invention;

4 shows a detailed view of the structure of a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5: Detail view of the structure of a device according to the invention for the

Operation with a vacuum pump;

Fig. 6: Detail view of the structure of another embodiment of the invention.

Use of several concentrate sources; Fig. 7: container of a baby food concentrate source and / or liquid source with dosing;

FIG.

8-12: containers with different means for coupling the container with clips;

Fig. 13: compact embodiment of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 14: preparation device with an adapter; FIG.

FIG. 15: stirrer of a preparation device with spray ball; FIG. and

Fig. 16: Implementation of the device with a dosing and sterilization bag.

Figure 1 shows the schematic structure of a device according to the invention for the preparation of baby milk. The embodiment also relates to the preparation of any other baby food or beverage.

Here, a first port 1 for connecting the device to at least one baby milk concentrate source 11 is shown. For example, the baby milk concentrate source 1 may be a baby milk powder bag. A second port 2 for connection to at least one fluid source 12 may be used to connect the device to, for example, a source of water.

The terms of the first and second connection 1, 2 are to be interpreted broadly in the present case. They may designate any features that allow the baby milk concentrate source 1 and the fluid source 12 to be connected to the device. The terminals 1, 2 may be part of the preparation device 4 or part of other sections of the device according to the invention. The 1, 2 can be coupled to the outlet or the outlets, wherein the ports 1, 2 may be part of the hose or the hose section.

In the lower part of FIG. 1, a preparation device 4 is shown, which is designed for the particularly mechanical preparation of the liquid and the baby milk concentrate. The preparation device 4 can have at least two outlets for filling the liquid and the baby milk concentrate into a container 10, not shown in FIG. Preparation device 4 and container 10 can be connected to one another here.

At the preparation device 4, a septum 42 may be provided, through which a puncture needle 61 for transferring the baby milk concentrate or the powder into the container 10 can be inserted. This needle 61 may be made of plastic, for example. A sterilization device, in particular a UV light sterilization device, can be provided on the device by means of which the puncture needle 61 and / or the septum 42 can be sterilized. Furthermore, a sterile filter 41 can be provided on the preparation device 4, by means of which the water filled into the container 10 can be filtered or cleaned. Between the preparation device 4 and the liquid source 12 or the baby milk concentrate source 11, hoses 62 and 63 v can be provided, through which the respective substances can be conducted separately from one another. Thus, via the hose 62, which is connected to the baby milk concentrate source 11, for example, powders from this source, which may for example be a bag, are sucked. This can be done in each case in the amount required for the desired preparation. Alternatively or additionally, a gravimetric promotion of the corresponding amount of baby milk concentrate is conceivable. For this purpose, it can be provided that the baby milk concentrate source 4 is arranged above the container 10, so that, with appropriate connection of the two containers, a gravimetric flow of the content of the baby milk concentrate source 4 into the container 10 is effected or facilitated. The baby milk concentrate may alternatively or additionally be fed via other feed means into the container 10, wherein, for example, a screw conveyor and / or a screw adaptable chamber can be used to implement different dosages. It is also conceivable to combine the suction with a chamber, etc.

The same applies to the conveyance of the liquid or of the water, where by means of a pump and / or a gravimetric process water can be conveyed through the corresponding hose 63 for preparation. The end piece of the corresponding tube 63 for connection to a liquid source 12 can be designed so that it fits, for example, on the cap of a tetra pack or can be coupled with this. The connection to the liquid source can also be designed so that a water bottle or a tap for tap water can be coupled to the device. For this purpose, a corresponding attachment can be provided at the end section of the hose 63. It is also conceivable to provide a modular container as a liquid source, which has a connection to the hose 63 to the liquid source 12 or has the same connection as a Tetra Pak, a water bottle or a tap. The container may also be formed as a flexible container such as a bag. The container may further comprise a permanently connected hose, which can be changed in a container change, together with the container.

It is conceivable, in particular, to form the hose 63 to the liquid source 12 such that it can be connected to the filter 41 and, in particular, latched or connected by clicking it. About the corresponding tube 63, the liquid or water is introduced into the device and heated there, wherein the required amount of heated water according to a stored for example in the control / regulating device recipe in the container 10 and milk container 10 is filled. Further details on the formulation or on the properties of the baby milk concentrate source 1 or on its preparation can be passed, for example, via a barcode or other data carrier from the packaging of the baby milk concentrate source 11 to the control / regulation device. This results in corresponding preparation options that can be performed by means of the device. Also, information about Age of the baby milk concentrate whose composition and / or other characteristics of the baby milk concentrate are stored at the baby milk concentrate source 11 and transferred to the controller.

It is also conceivable to enter a recipe manually in the control unit.

The device can be controlled via an app, for example via a smartphone or tablet PC, and / or via a remote control. In particular, the switching on and off can be controlled. The app can also inform about any necessary replacement of consumables such as hoses 62 and 63, filters 41 or other materials of the device. In this case, the control / regulating device can have a WLAN connection or another wireless or wired interface. From the information given on the packaging of the baby milk concentrate source 11, it is also possible to determine which dosage of the baby milk concentrate, which temperature of the liquid, which stirring operations of the stirrer 15 and, if appropriate, which other parameters are maintained or set by the device for preparing the baby milk should be. It is conceivable to enter these parameters manually in the control unit.

At the baby milk concentrate source 11, a splice 65 may be provided, via which a further puncture needle 61 for removing the baby milk concentrate is inserted into the baby milk concentrate source 11.

Figure 3 shows a more detailed embodiment of the device, wherein the baby milk concentrate source 11 or its packaging and the liquid source 12 can be provided on respective supports 20. The liquid and the concentrate source can be hung on the supports. It is also conceivable einzubeln slots in the supports for storage of both sources. The liquid source 12 may have a screw cap 13 for refilling the liquid. The supports 20 can be hinged to be coupled to other components of the device, so that during storage, for example, in the sales tray the smallest possible footprint or the smallest possible space requirement of the device is ensured in the folded state of the supports 20.

It is also conceivable, on the outside of the device, for example, in the area of the unfolded supports 20 to provide retractable covers 21, which may be configured as a film or the like and at least partially close or cover the device. Also, the device may be designed as a completely closed system.

The fluid source 12 can be used, for example, as a bag for e.g. Be formed water, which is connectable via the corresponding hose 63 with the device. The bag can be designed as a disposable item and thrown away after a corresponding period of use of, for example, 2 weeks and replaced by a new one (possibly including the hose set 6 for water). Thus, there is no need to clean the liquid source 12 (plus the water tubing set 6) of biofilms or chemical contaminants.

The device may comprise a functional unit 30, which comprises a water heater or the heater 3, not shown, for heating or heating the liquid, a device for dosing the baby milk concentrate, a start button for carrying out the preparation of the baby milk and other electronic components. The control / regulating device can be part of the said functional unit. The functional unit and / or the control / regulating device can comprise, for example, a load cell or other sensor devices for determining the residual quantity of the baby milk concentrate and / or of the fluid. The determination can also be made via the position of the displaceable clamps 16, 17 (FIGS. 2 and 5), taking into account the number of fillings or preparation processes. Thus, if necessary, an automatic order can be triggered eg via the Internet to get new baby milk concentrate. It can be made by the control / regulating device, taking into account the age of the child to be cared for a suitable proposal for the selection of the baby milk concentrate. Of course you can The order can also be changed manually as needed. The functional unit 30 can be permanently coupled to the other components of the device or be detachably connected thereto. A similar principle is conceivable for the water (FIG. 2: clamp 18, or FIG. 5: clamp 18 and 19). In this way, the system can check how much water has been removed and inform the user about a refill. However, it would also be conceivable to determine via a flow sensor, via a duration measurement of a pumping process or a pressure pump.

Figure 4 shows a more detailed view of a preparation device 4 with sterile filter 41, septum 42 and a stirrer 43. The preparation device 4 can be at least partially introduced into a corresponding baby bottle 10 and a corresponding container 10, so that the baby milk concentrate and the liquid in the Container 10 can be inserted and stirred there. Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment of the preparation device 4 with one or more spray nozzles is conceivable, which can also be used to prepare the baby milk or can. The preparation device 4 can be exchanged after a certain period of use and sterilized, for example, in a corresponding sterilizer.

The preparation device 4 may further be telescopically coupled to the overall device to be adaptable to different bottle sizes of the container 10. It is also conceivable to provide an adapter on the preparation device 4, by means of which different bottle geometries of containers 10 can be coupled to the preparation device 4. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide a temperature and / or pH sensor on the stirrer 43 or on the preparation device 4, which may be coupled to the control / regulating device and to the control or optimized preparation of the baby milk - / regulating device sends. The preparation device 4 or the stirrer unit 4, the tubing sets 6 for baby milk concentrate and / or water, the water bag or container 12 and / or a water treatment module can be designed as recyclable or as disposable items.

Figure 2 shows an alternative construction of the invention with valves, which may be formed for example as brackets 16, 17 and 18 and over which the supply of water and / or baby milk concentrate can be controlled or regulated. The brackets 16, 17, 18 can be operated, for example pneumatically or electronically. Other components or reference numerals correspond to those shown in the other figures.

In particular, the powder dosage represents a high challenge. The invention makes this possible at very low cost. It is also possible in this way to work with disposable items.

Clamp 17 may initially be closed while feeding the baby milk concentrate or concentrate while clamp 16 is open. The concentrate can be delivered to the bracket 17 or automatically or by itself to flow or fall there. It is conceivable to provide a vibrating device for this, which facilitates or permits the concentrate feed. The brackets 16 and / or 17 can be adapted or positioned according to the desired dosage according to the arrow directions up or down. This can happen electronically via the control unit or manually. For example, the user can select a desired recipe or read it in via the scanner. If the position required for the desired dosage of at least one of the clamps 16, 17 is reached, the clamp 10 closer to the container 10 to be filled can be correspondingly closed and the area between the clamps 16, 17 filled with concentrate in the desired dose. For this purpose, clamp the clamps 16, 17 individually or collectively from each clasped by them area of the respective hose. Thereafter, the container to be filled 10 closer bracket 16, 17 are opened while the other of the two brackets 16, 17 is closed and the appropriately metered amount of baby milk concentrate is passed into the container 10. In order to allow the concentrate (and in the case of the dosing of a liquid corresponding to the liquid) to flow out of the region defined by the clamps 16, 17, for example, air can be introduced into this region via a corresponding air supply. Mechanical means may also be provided for conveying the concentrate and / or the liquid from the metering area. The volume adjustment can be done completely in the hose 62, which can be kept clean as a replacement component by appropriate replacement. The metering of the water can be carried out in the water hose 63 and by means of the corresponding bracket 18 and optionally other clips not shown, analogous to the above-described dosage of the baby milk concentrate.

The preparation device 4 connected to the container 10 can be moved upwards on a tray and connected to the tubes 62 and 63. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the hoses are movable downwards. The puncture needle 61 for supplying powder into the container 10 can be stung through the septum 42 of the preparation device 4 or alternatively can be inserted through an opening flap. The water hose 63, which is part of the hose set 6, can also be connected to the filter 41. Then, the clip 17 can open and the concentrate can be introduced into the container 10. The clip 17 may close after filling the container 10 and open clip 16. FIG. 2 shows a water supply / filtration via a pressure pump. Clamp 18 can be opened to dispense the water into the container and close as soon as the required amount (according to recipe) has been dispensed. The water can be conveyed in this embodiment of the invention via a pressure pump to allow the filtration. The flow rate can be controlled over time, a pressure pump and / or a flow sensor.

Thereafter, the procedure may be repeated, for example, to fill a next container 10. The brackets 16, 17 and 18 can be used as re- be formed reversible components. The complete clamp control can happen electronically via the control unit or manually.

The powder tube 62 may be configured to receive a maximum amount of powder for preparing a baby bottle or container 10. This amount may be obtained from corresponding preparation tables for baby food or milk. For example, the hose can have a diameter of 3cm at 10cm in length.

Furthermore, an air filter can be provided on the device, via which air can be introduced, by means of which the device can be freed from any powder residues. Thus, a blow-through or Nachpusten the device is conceivable in which powder residues, for example, from the hose 62 are removable. This would also be feasible for the water hose 63 or the water hose set 6 to eliminate water residues.

The baby milk concentrate source 1 may be formed as a bag or bag with powder content or as a powder bag and be provided for example by the respective baby powder manufacturers. The baby milk concentrate source 11 may for example be closable with a screw cap and be adjustable in an attachment 64, which may taper and in which the puncture needle 61 may be provided for removing the baby milk concentrate from the baby milk concentrate source 11. A corresponding cap 64 may also be provided for coupling the fluid source 12 to the device. The connection to the supply of the concentrate from the baby milk concentrate source 1 into the container 10 can be provided via the puncture needle 61.

It may also be provided a Abkochzyklus, in which the water is boiled in the liquid source 12 and in the tube 63 and / or in other areas of the device, in particular automatically at certain intervals or frequencies to reduce the germ burden or bioburden. This allows the bioburden in the water hose set 6 and / or in the liquid source 12 can be reduced. When preparing the baby milk no boiling is necessary because the filter 41 as a sterile filter or virus filter allows the corresponding sterilization without decoction. On the other hand, it can be provided to heat the liquid or the water only to the required baby milk temperature or to the consumption temperature of the baby milk.

Alternatively, the supply of water from the liquid source 12 into the container 10 can be effected or accelerated via a vacuum (FIG. 5). Preparation device 4 with the connected container 10 can connect to the tubes 62, 63 and 66. A corresponding vacuum connection can be provided on the preparation device 4. In the liquid supply, the dosage can also be done by means of brackets 18 and 19, wherein the liquid can be gravimetric supplied. Clamp 18 is closed, water can be conveyed up to this clamp or automatically flow to it (gravimetric). Clamp 19 closes upon reaching the desired amount. Clamp 18 opens. Through the hydrophobic air filter 44, a vacuum can be applied in the container 10. As a result, it is possible to filter through the filter 41. The volume results from the hose length and the hose diameter and the distance between the brackets 18 and 19. After the quantity dispensed, bracket 18 closes and bracket 19 opens. The procedure can be repeated until, analogously to the recipe, the desired water volume has been added to the container 10. The clamp 19 can be adapted or positioned according to the desired dosage according to the direction of the arrow up or down. That is, a volume adjustment can be made in the water hose 63. It would also be conceivable to use a sufficiently large hose in order to be able to absorb the maximum amount of water according to the preparation table. Optionally, it would also be possible to move the bracket 18. The hose 63 or the water hose set 6 and the water source 12 can be kept clean as replacement components by appropriate replacement and their contamination can be avoided. The complete clamp control can happen electronically via the control unit or manually. It may also be provided that an electric blanket or a jacket is provided on the containers 10, 12. Likewise, however, different additional or alternative approaches for heating the water or the baby milk are conceivable. These can not be provided on the functional unit 30 but directly on the containers 10, 12.

The invention enables a separation of water and concentrate in the region of the device, wherein a combination of the components can be carried out only in the baby bottle or the container 10. This makes it possible to dispense with cleaning of soiled components, in particular if the bag assemblies or the containers 11, 12 and 6 are replaced regularly. It would also be conceivable to autoclave the water hose 63 if it is connected to a tetra pack, etc. However, this can be eliminated by the use of the sterile filter 41 and by the regular replacement of corresponding components.

Figure 6 shows an alternative construction of the invention. Here several different concentrate sources 11 can be introduced into the device and processed. These may include, for example, baby tea, apple juice, etc. It is also conceivable to integrate the liquid source here. In this way, in the dosage unit 3, a staple set, for example, the staples 18 and 19 could be saved.

The rotatable insert 5 may, as needed, bring the concentrate source 1 into contact with the dosing system 3. It is conceivable that the metering system 3 can be moved up to the hoses 62, 63 and can be moved away from the hoses 62, 63 after the metering has taken place in order to allow the insert 5 to rotate. Alternative embodiments would be conceivable.

Depending on the concentrate, the heating unit would switch on or not. The information about, for example, the heating time could come via the information on the concentrate package (scanning) or entered manually. Also the Treatment of only water is possible, including, for example, the sterile filtration or treatment by a water treatment module falls.

In machines designed according to the prior art, the mixture or preparation of the baby milk takes place in the system itself, therefore, these systems must be cleaned consuming chemicals etc. because baby milk (powder or concentrate together with milk) provides optimal breeding ground for germs. Chemicals in connection with babies are classified as questionable, especially as the cleaning system may malfunction. In addition, the necessary cleaning takes a lot of time. Advantageously, with the invention, a decalcification which is otherwise otherwise regularly required is likewise no longer necessary. In addition, the invention offers the possibility of using any baby milk powder that is commercially available.

The invention also provides advantageous time savings when using the device. Known from the prior art systems must boil the water used, which may take depending on the calcium content of 2-3 to 5 minutes, as germs must be killed. Thereafter, the water must be cooled down to avoid that vitamins or proteins are destroyed. These are sensitive to heat. By using a sterile filter 41, which is autoclaved regularly, the water does not need to be boiled and the corresponding cooling is eliminated. Heating only to the necessary temperature or consumption temperature is sufficient. The filter 41 keeps all germs such as e.g. Legionella back etc. It is also conceivable the use of a virus filter.

The preparation device 4 creates a closed system with the baby bottle 10, thereby the baby bottle can be stored on the dispenser. Contamination eg by air germs such as molds, etc. are excluded. A sterilization would be in vain. In this way, a remote control, for example, an automatic filling without risk realize. By this system with appropriate preparation device 4 and contamination, for example, by touching etc. on the sterile side of the filter 41 are avoided. prepara- Processing device 4 and baby bottle 10 are connected to each other immediately after autoclaving / sterilizing. Furthermore, by coupling the container 10 and the baby bottle 10 with the device via the preparation device 4, it is possible to carry out the preparation of the baby food within the container 10.

The known from the prior art systems are large and take up much space in the shop. The present system can be minimized in its spatial extent by the use of bags, tube assemblies and a stretchable film 21. The film 21 may represent the housing in which the bags are seated and the mechanism or the components or a part of the components of the device are housed. The invention thus enables an optimal and rapid mixing or preparation of baby milk, with no other system using a stirrer. By means of a stirrer, in an advantageous embodiment, undesired formation of air bubbles can be prevented or minimized.

The powder dosage can be done with a low-cost dosage unit, which allows a disposable concept. The classic dosages of gifts or chambers are alternatively or additionally still applicable. Also, with appropriate networking, the function of automatic reordering of ingredients or components is conceivable. For this purpose, a load cell can be used or it can be determined by simply counting, for example, the fillings of the tubes 6, whether a reordering makes sense. In this case, of course, the applicable dosage setting would be taken into account.

The prior art does not disclose a system which can process various concentrates, in particular none which prevents the undesirable mixing of different concentrates. Through the individual hose systems, this is possible with this invention. FIG. 7 shows a container that can be used as a baby food concentrate source 11 and / or as a liquid source 12. The container has at least two regions with different cross sections. At least one of the regions may be at least partially funnel-shaped to facilitate outflow / trickle down / trickle down of substances contained therein. An upper portion may be formed larger than a lower portion, and at the smaller lower portion, an opening may be provided for emptying the container. The lower portion can serve as a dosing integrated in the container, within which by means of the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19, the dosage of the preparation of baby food or other products required content can be done. This designated as dosing line section may correspond to the hose described above for guiding the respective contents. The metering line can be dimensioned according to the maximum volume of the producible portions, and / or comprise a closure for easy opening of the container.

The container may be made of a film or other components welded to itself or to one another and / or to itself. It can also be designed as a consumable material, which is removed after its emptying from the device and replaced by a new container.

Magnetic or metallic components can be provided on or in the container, which can interact with magnets provided on the clamps 16, 17, 18, 19. By the interaction, it is possible to pull apart the container in that region by means of the clamps 16, 17, 18, 19, in which the magnet of a clamp 16, 17, 18, 19 adheres to the metallic component of the container. The metallic components may in this case be offset from one another and / or provided on opposite sides of the container. Similarly, the magnets of the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 may also be offset from one another, i. be arranged so that the magnets of a clip 16, 17, 18, 19 in a closed state of the bracket 16, 17, 18, 19 not or not significantly affect, so attract or repel.

Alternatively or additionally, further components may be provided which allow an interaction between the clamps 16, 17, 18, 19 and the container. It is conceivable, for example, an embodiment of the container with pockets and / or tabs according to Figure 8, in which the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 can engage. The inserted or engaging therein brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 can mount the container accordingly in the open state of the clip 16, 17, 18, 19 and close in the closed state of the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the container can be closed and opened by means of at least two clips 16, 17, 18, 19 designed as clip clips. If more than two juxtaposed folding clips are provided, then their height adjustment can be dispensed with, since for portioning only selected folding clips have to be opened and others closed.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 are formed for example of metal rods, which are guided in provided on the container eyelets.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the clamps 16, 17, 18, 19 are designed, for example, as plastic clamps, which may comprise at least one film hinge and adhesive surfaces. About the adhesive surfaces, the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 interact with the container to open and / or close. The brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 can be linearly adjustable by means of corresponding actuators. To press the container by means of the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19, it is also conceivable to rotate the brackets 16, 17, 18, 19 and / or the container in a rotational movement, for example by 90 °.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which the clamp 16, 17, 18, 19 is designed as a slide which is linearly movable. Depending on the linear position of the slide, this can change the free tube cross section or container cross section. FIG. 12 also shows a possible bag or container shape as well as the corresponding bag punching which permits the production of the container with no or only a small amount of waste. The bag punching in this case has a linear region which extends over the entire container length, and two shorter linear regions parallel to the first region, which are connected to each other via a particularly oblique connection region and spaced apart from the first region. Figure 13 shows a possible embodiment of the device, which can be easily disassembled and assembled and is particularly compact collapsible or storable. The device may in this case comprise a folding base, which can be folded to retract the device. A tank, which may for example be the liquid source 12 of the device, can accommodate other parts of the device for storage. By means of a cover or a cover of the device, the tank can be closed with the other parts of the device embedded therein.

FIG. 14 shows a preparation device 4 with an adapter by means of which a baby bottle 10 can be coupled particularly easily with the device according to the invention. For this purpose, a particularly height-adjustable docking section can be provided on the device, to which the adapter can be suspended, for example, on a hook section. At least one button for separating a connection between the adapter and the docking section may be provided on the docking section.

FIG. 15 shows a possible embodiment of the preparation device 4, in which the stirrer 43 can comprise one or more spray balls or spray heads. It is conceivable that liquid is introduced via the stirrer 43 and in particular via the spray ball provided on the stirrer into the baby bottle 10 or another container. The preparation device 4 can thus also be used for cleaning, in particular, the interior of the baby bottle 10. For this purpose, the preparation device 4 with baby bottle provided thereon must be coupled with a corresponding cleaning device. If cleaning liquid is introduced into the spray heads by the cleaning device, this causes the cleaning of the baby bottle provided on the preparation device 4.

It is possible to configure the stirrer 43 rotatable relative to the further structure of the preparation device 4, so that the stirrer 43 is driven to rotate mechanically and / or by the fluid flow through the spray ball or spray balls.

Figure 16 shows an embodiment of the device in which the liquid source 12 is formed as a Tetra Pak, water bottle or other container. The container may be purchased together with the device and / or separately. The liquid source 12 can be coupled to a metering and sterilization bag 14, which can be arranged in the device below the liquid source 12 when installed. Liquid can do that Particularly simply and without the need or presence of a pump from the liquid source 12 by gravity following in the dosing and sterilization bag 14 tile. For this purpose, the brackets 18, 19 can be adjusted accordingly to the dosing and sterilization bag 14. In this sense, the metering and sterilization bag 14 may correspond to the hose or tube section of claim 1 which may interact with the metering device to dose its contents. A corresponding dosing and sterilization bag 14 can accordingly also be used for dosing and / or sterilizing the baby food concentrate. The bag 14 may taper, thereby optimizing or facilitating the flow of concentrate through the bag.

The metering and sterilization bag 14 may include a thread 141 or other first port 141 for coupling the bag 14 to the fluid source 12. The bag 14 can thus be screwed to the liquid source 12, for example. The first port 141 may be provided in an upper portion of the bag 14. In a lower portion of the bag 14 may be provided an orifice or closure 142 which prevents liquid leakage while, for example, a Tetra Pak container and the associated dosing and sterilization bag 14 enter the device be inserted or positioned.

Via the lower connection 142, the bag 14 and / or the baby food concentrate source 11 can be coupled to the preparation device 4 and, further, to the baby bottle 10. For this purpose, 4 inlet flaps 45 may be provided on the preparation device. The preparation device 4 can furthermore comprise a stirrer 43 with at least one of the above-mentioned spray balls, which can serve in particular for cleaning the device or the preparation device 4 and other components of the device in a cleaning device.

In the area between the liquid source 12 and the baby bottle 10, a UV light source 46 can also be provided which is set up for sterilizing the inlets and / or outlets, the lines or the substances contained in the device.

By means of the adjustable brackets 18, 19, it is possible to meter the liquid from the liquid source 12 within the bag 14. The brackets can be designed for this purpose that they a sterile or partially or temporarily sterile clamping of the bag 14. In this case, the clamps 18, 19 can narrow the bag 14 or parts of the bag 14, for example, so that a fluid flow through the area clamped by the clamps 18, 19 is prevented and thus the penetration of germs is made difficult or impossible. A heating and / or cooling plate or a corresponding element 22 may be provided in the region of the metering and sterilization bag 14, and may be designed to heat liquids which are present or metered in the metering and sterilization bag 14 and sterilize it with it and, if necessary, cool it down. For this purpose, the bag 14 can be made of a correspondingly heat-resistant material. '

After preparation of the baby food or after supplying the sterilized and / or heated liquid in the baby bottle 10, the bag 14 can be filled with liquid again and there can be further sterilization of the liquid contained therein by heating. Sterilization may involve more than one decoction cycle. The staples 18,19 sterilize the bag 14 or portions of the bag 14 or tubing connected to the bag 14 during sterilization, thereby further enabling sterile storage of the sterilized liquid. The sterilized liquid must be heated in this way in a subsequent preparation only to serving temperature. Re-heating for sterilization and cooling to drink temperature can thus be omitted, resulting in significant time savings in food preparation.

The baby food concentrate source 1 1 can, as shown in Figure 5, also be used via brackets 16, 17 for dosing the baby food concentrate. For this purpose, if necessary, another baby powder packaging 1 1 'can be provided within the baby food concentrate source 1. On the container of the baby food concentrate source 11 and / or on the dosing and sterilization bag 14, the devices described in FIGS. 7 to 12 may be provided for dosing the respective contents. Among other things, for example, magnetic elements or metallic elements may be provided in or on the respective containers, which may interact with the respective magnetically executed clamps. The magnet or the magnets can also be designed as magnetic tape 47.

The clamps or Dosierklammen 16, 17, 18, 19 of the liquid source 12 and possibly the baby food concentrate source 11 may be configured to close the dosing and sterilization bag 14 sterile.

Claims

Stefan Schlack D-37083 Göttingen Device for the preparation of baby food Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing baby food, in particular baby milk, having at least one first connection for connection to at least one baby food concentrate source, at least one second connection for connection to at least one liquid source, in particular a water source, in particular at least one heating device, at least one preparation device for preparing the Baby food from the liquid and the baby food concentrate and at least one outlet for filling the baby food concentrate and / or the liquid and / or the baby food in a baby bottle, characterized in that at least one preferably replaceable hose or hose section for guiding the baby food concentrate and / or the liquid and or the baby food is provided, and that a metering device is provided, which is designed for metering the concentrate and / or the liquid and in particular on the hose or smart includes slidably arranged staples.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating device is adapted to heat and / or sterilize the liquid and / or the baby food.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the baby food concentrate source and / or the liquid source and / or the baby bottle are interchangeable components of the device and / or consist of a combined bag and hose set, which require a small storage space.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one filter for cleaning and / or sterilizing the liquid, in particular the water is provided and / or that the device comprises means, in particular a scanner for reading in information from the baby food concentrate source and / or that a baby bottle attachment is provided for coupling the baby bottle with the device.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preparation device comprises at least one stirrer and / or at least one spray nozzle and / or that the preparation device is designed as a replaceable consumable part.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preparation device can be coupled with the baby bottle or with the tubes of the device that baby milk concentrate and water are still filled separately from each other in the baby bottle and the preparation of baby milk or blending of Baby milk concentrate and water only after filling the individual components into the baby bottle and inside the baby bottle takes place.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different baby food concentrate sources can be connected separately so that no mixture of the different concentrates takes place.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection comprises a puncture needle for piercing the baby food concentrate source.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pump for supplying the baby food concentrate and / or the liquid is provided, and / or means are provided which are designed such that the baby food concentrate and / or the liquid gravimetrically to get promoted.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control / regulating device is provided, by means of which the device is operable, in particular remote-controlled, and / or that the baby food concentrate source and / or the liquid source are connected to the terminals of the device.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has foldable supports and a wind-up on the outside of the device cover, which can be configured as a film or the like and at least partially close or cover the device.

12. Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 11 for the preparation of baby food, in particular baby milk.

13. Use of a baby food concentrate source in a device according to one of claims 1 to 11 for the preparation of baby food, in particular baby milk.

14. dosing and sterilization bag for a device according to one of claims 1 to 11 for preparing a suspension and / or emulsion, in particular of baby food, such as baby milk, characterized in that the dosing and sterilization bag at least two connections to Inlet and outlet of a liquid or a concentrate comprises.

15. Preparation device for a device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the preparation device can be coupled to a container and comprises a stirrer, which is designed for stirring the contents of the container coupled with it.